A Russia Today clip of the video with English subtitles is embedded below. Viewers should be advised that the following footage contains disturbing pronouncements.

Several of Diggler’s assertions in the video, such that he is a spy for NATO and that CAFE is a CIA front, are demonstrably false. As friends and colleagues of Carl, we at CAFE have known him as a devoted father, veteran of political journalism, and patriotic American who would not renounce his citizenship voluntarily and of sound mind. We conclude that Carl’s statement is a false confession recorded either under duress or in the midst of a psychological breakdown.

From this video and other sources, CAFE has determined that shortly before Thanksgiving, Mr. Diggler traveled to Syria in order to report on Bashar al-Assad’s reelection campaign. There he was apprehended by Syrian security forces, who handed him over to Russian intelligence services.

We believe Carl Diggler is currently still being held against his will by Russian security forces. Carl is a journalist, not a spy, and his confinement is an outrageous violation of freedom of the press. We call on the Russian government to immediately release him.

We at CAFE are deeply concerned for our colleague’s mental and physical well-being. Our leadership is working closely with the State Department and the American Embassy in Moscow to secure his release. Until then, our thoughts and prayers are with Carl and his family.

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Information or press inquiries regarding Carl Diggler may be addressed to Carl’s editor at blake@cafe.com.

Please use the hashtag #FreeCarlDiggler to show your support for Carl and bring attention to his case.